Mental Health Technician Senior Unit

About the role

This position floats as needed to other units based on needs to include dual diagnosis, acute inpatient adult, acute inpatient adolescent, and adult crisis programs. The Mental Health Technician (MHT) works closely with all members of the clinical treatment team and plays an integral part in assuring that the patient program schedule is carried out as planned by the team.

Responsibilities

• Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment by observing and documenting patient behavior, conducting patient room searches, reporting unsafe conditions, and applying appropriate emotional and physical support.
• Utilizes patient activity schedule, unit rules, and group structure to maintain consistency in the milieu.
• Records progress notes that reflect patient behavior for specific incidents and conditions, such as suicidal thoughts/actions, AWOLs, aggressive behavior, special checks, restrictions, and unusual sleep patterns.
• Performs various duties assisting nurses in the psychiatric and physical treatment and care of patients in accordance with established methods and procedures of the hospital.
• Interacts closely with patients, remaining engaged in the various activities and events that patients experience throughout the treatment day.
• Interacts with patients in a therapeutic manner at all times and assists other staff to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Key Physical Requirements

• Ability to continuously walk and stand for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, lift objects from a lower to higher position or horizontally from position to position.
• Exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
• Manual dexterity and physical agility to perform de-escalation procedures.
• Must be able to deal with aggressive, hostile, and irrational behavior of patients calmly and therapeutically.
• Must be able to respond immediately to crisis situations concerning patients and/or family members.
• Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions, such as noise, conversation, and foot traffic.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in healthcare or behavioral health-related field in lieu of Associates or Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities across UHS and its 300+ locations.
• Diverse programming to expand your experience.
• Competitive compensation and generous paid time off.
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with company match and discounted stock plan.
• Pet insurance.
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee referral program.